Japan America Society of Minnesota

The Tsūshin is a membership publication of the Japan America Society of Minnesota

February 2019 Vol. 28, No. 2

Recap: Shinnenkai 2019

Despite the chilly Minnesota weather, JASM’s annual Shinnenkai was warm with excitement and festivities. On Sunday, January 27, Shinnenkai 2019 was held at Washington Technology Magnet School in St. Paul, Minnesota. In our annual Japanese New Year celebration, we are able to promote cultural exchange through a fun environment filled with delicious Japanese food, live performances of

Japanese arts, and exhibitors who represent organizations from the Japan-Minnesota community. There was a silent auction and market filled with many beautiful Japanese ceramics, crafts, and other artistic creations. These activities were exciting for both adults and children alike!

Amongst the exhibitors were Mori no Ike from Concordia Language Villages, Harding High School, Nihonjinkai/Japanese Library, St. Paul - Nagasaki Sister City Committee, Twin Cities Japan American Citizens League, Twin Cities Aikido Center, Bloomington-Izumi Sister City Organization, and, for the first time, Minnesota Japan-America Sumi-e Club. Visitors were able to learn and participate in many activities thanks to our exhibitors.

Big thanks to our corporate member, Mall of America, for donating mystery tickets to Nickelodeon Universe and vouchers for VIP shopping packages, which includes an Mall of America Coupon Book and a souvenir MOA shopping bag. All the participants appreciated the gifts.

Shinnenkai started with the emcee, Sydney Michael, kicking off the event, followed by a performance by Sakurakai music ensemble, who played a beautiful koto piece. Afterwards, JASM President Elizabeth Fehrmann and Deputy Consul-General Kenji Tanaka, from the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, greeted the eventgoers.

As the event continued, attendees mingled, enjoyed food, browsed the market and auction, watched mochi pounding, and continued to enjoy performances on the main stage. There were many positive comments from attendees about the delicious food (especially the an pan),

Coming soon, on Saturday, February 16th, 2019, high school students from all over the Midwest will gather to put their knowledge of Japanese language and culture to the test!

At Normandale Community College, teams of students from seven high schools in the metro area will compete in four levels of difficulty. Students will use their knowledge of Japanese language and culture to write compositions, participate in cultural activities, and compete with other high schools to win the Grand Prize: a trip to the annual Sakura Festival in Washington D.C. and the opportunity to compete in the National Japan Bowl in April 2019.

During the cultural segment of J-Quiz 2019, there will be demonstrations of Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese dance performed during Obon Festival, and aikido, a modern Japanese martial art.

Our goal for J-Quiz is to increase cultural awareness and understanding and to bring together students who have an interest in Japan.

Once again, we are inviting the families of students and anyone interested to come and watch the cultural segment and final rounds of J-Quiz. Come and support our next generation of Japan experts! For more information, such as exact time and place, please visit our website: mn-japan.org

Upcoming: J-Quiz 2019

Battōjutsu (Japanese Sword) Demonstration during J-Quiz 2018

The Winners of Level 4 of J-Quiz 2018

Guests participating in mochi pounding

Deputy Consul-General Kenji Tanaka Continued on page 3

This section is for our Partners in Service to inform readers about any special offers or other relevant information. Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop is one of our Partners in Service. We are very grateful to Surdyk’s and all of our other members for their support for JASM. __________________________________________________

Special Announcement from Partner in Service: Surdyk’s

Membership News

Thanks to the following new JASM members:

Hiroshi Asato, Nichole Bettendorf and Rachel Corcoran, Karen Harwerth, Elliot Jobe, Steven Kreitz, Sue Mitchell,

Sheryl Patricelli, Kashi Yoshikawa

Thanks to the following renewing JASM members:

Theresa Gust, Lica Tomizuka Sanborn, Matt and Nichola

Schoenfelder

My name is Chris Armacost and I work in global marketing for Ecolab. I have been involved with JASM for three years now. As a board member, I have several roles. I sit on committees that plan our annual Shinnenkai New Year’s event and our spring concert event, Harukaze. As the board secretary, I record our meeting minutes and participate in Executive Committee meetings.

I have spent 13 years of my life living in Asia – seven in Japan, and about two years each in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. From 2007 to 2010, my family and I lived in Tokyo. At that time, I was working for General Mills, overseeing our Haagen-Dazs joint venture with Suntory and Takanashi Dairy, as well as managing several imported General Mills brands like Betty Crocker and Green Giant. Being the sole foreigner in a Japanese company was challenging in many ways, but in the end it was quite rewarding. On a personal level, it was a wonderful experience for my family to live overseas. Since I had also lived in Tokyo as a youngster (1st and 2nd grade), my two daughters got to have an experience very similar to my own. Beyond that experience, I have quite a few other connections to Japan. My father was the US Ambassador from 1989-1993, so he passed the torch directly to Ambassador Mondale. He had also served in the embassy in the 1970s. My oldest brother was stationed at Yokosuka for several years, and his wife is Japanese. My other brother attended a program at Waseda University during college, is fluent in Japanese, and has been performing jazz in Japan twice a year for many years. After returning to Minneapolis in 2010, I started to hear about JASM events like Shinnenkai and the Mondale Gala. Then, a friend of mine who was on the board asked me to participate in JASM’s career day. Shortly after that, I was asked if I would be interested in joining the board, and I immediately accepted. Japan is such a special place for me that I really enjoy staying connected to the Japanese community in the Twin Cities. JASM events are always interesting and/or fun, and I find it enriching to stay involved in cultural events related to Japan. I encourage our readers to attend JASM events and even volunteer to help out. It’s always rewarding!

Meet our Board Member: Chris Armacost

Chris Armacost

Please thank our members with your support!

Corporate Spotlight: Kiku Enterprises, Inc

JASM is proud to announce our longtime Partner in Service, Kiku Enterprises, Inc., as the Corporate Spotlight member for February! Kiku Enterprises, Inc. is one of the top US-Japan consulting companies who provide a complete range of excellent services for businesses and tourists. Founded in 1978 as a trading company, Kiku Enterprises has over 35 years of experience in US and Japan business relations with many clients in past and present such as Mall of America and Land O’Lakes. Kiku Enterprises’ consultation includes many services such as translation and interpreting, orientations and seminars on Japan, setting up sales offices in Japan, and many other valuable services. Kiku Enterprises is able to provide transportation and Japanese-speaking tour guides for many activities such as nature tours, museum visits, sports events, and many others. Kiku Enterprises can also arrange appointments, meetings, tours, and seminars on specialized industries such as education and transportation. The full list of activities and industries can be found on their website: http://kikuenterprises.com. JASM wants to thank Kiku Enterprises for their continued support as a longtime Partner in Service Member with JASM. We are excited to continue working with them in the future!

We are excited to announce our second Know Me Kai Club! On Tuesday, February 19th, 6:00pm, JASM members and non-members alike are welcome to participate in our next Know Me Kai Club event at Sakura Restaurant & Bar (350 St. Peter St., St. Paul) on the 1st floor. As with the previous event in October, Know Me Kai Club provides very open networking opportunities for everyone. Know Me Kai Club’s purpose is to continue in welcoming new Japanese expats to Minnesota. Please join us as we continue to make our new friends feel at ease.

At this event, everyone can share stories about their experiences in Japan or Minnesota as well as interests in the culture and society both from a personal and professional perspective. Please join JASM’s Know Me Kai Club for great discussions and expand your network in the wonderful ambience of Sakura Restaurant. Please go to our website for more details at: mn-japan.org

• If you join JASM prior to or at this event, we will waive the non-member fee! Attendees are encouraged to purchase their own food and drink at the restaurant.

• 2 Hour parking validation by Sakura at Lawson Ramp 11 W 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102

Know Me Kai Club in February

Corporate Benefactor Members 3M Company Anime Twin Cities, Inc. Daikin Applied Delta Air Lines, Inc. MTS Systems Corporation Sawai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Taiyo International Patron Members Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Corporate Sustaining Members Deloitte Tax, LLP Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, PC Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. Japan Lifeline Co. Ltd. Mall of America Medtronic, Inc. Metropolitan Airport Commission MGK, Inc. Naigai Industries U.S.A. Inc. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. United Noodles Corporate Contributing Members Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Murata Electronics/Vios Medical Inc. Nagomi Ya Senior Living Satellite Industries, Inc. Wanner Engineering, Inc. Partners in Service JK’s Table Kiku Enterprises, Inc. Minnesota Trade Office Origami Restaurant Sakura Restaurant Saint Paul Saints Baseball Club Saji-Ya Restaurant Suishin Restaurant Surdyk’s Liquor & Cheese Shop Tomodachi Zen Healing Center Nonprofit Members Concordia Language Villages Economic Club of Minnesota Global Minnesota Greater MSP JETAA Minnesota JETRO Chicago KCC–Japan Education Exchange Macalester College Asian Language & Culture Department Minneapolis Japanese School Minneapolis Institute of Art Minnesota Council of Teachers of Japanese Minnesota Orchestra NDSU-Emily Reynolds Historic Costume Collection UMN Dept. of Asian Languages and Literatures, Japanese Language Program University of North Dakota- Grand Forks Winona State University Global Studies Dept.

Shiro “Don” Katagiri Founder

Chieko Karlsen CEO

Thank You to Our Shinnenkai Volunteers and Partners

New Intern: Momoko Ishikawa

Hello! I’m Momoko Ishikawa, the new Membership Coordinator for JASM. I am an exchange student from Osaka in Japan, studying Communications at the University of Minnesota. I am interested in linguistics and intercultural communication. I love learning languages and hope to work in foreign countries in the future. When I was in Japan, I interacted with international students a lot and tried to help them learn about Japanese culture and language. So, I would love to share Japanese culture with people here in Minnesota - and of course, encourage them to join JASM. In my free time, I like hanging out with friends, watching TV shows, and playing musical instruments. I am excited to work here as an intern at JASM!

We would like to thank all of our volunteers, kitchen staff, sponsors, and other individuals whose contributions allow Shinnenkai to be successful. _________________________________________________ Thank you to our volunteers: Tom Baumer, Meyer Beckner, Dina Blumenfeld, Charles Chan, Kevin Chiles, Peter Gavin, Houa Her, Phaeton Holland, Takuzo Ishida, Steven Kreitz, Gao Lao, Nerissa Lee, Nyna Lee, Pa Lee, Vida Lee, Seogo Masubuchi, Daisuke Matano, Sydney Michael, Shinya Nishi, Dominic Pease, Jutta Thompson, Dartanyan Vang, Emily Xion, Keng Xion, and Kim Xaiyasang. Thank you to our Kitchen Crew: Mizuho Castle, Tomoko Drake, Chiaki Dzieweczynski, Nadia Esid, Tiye Eside, Tracy Esid, Kevin Flanaghan, Naoko Koyano, Linnea Krall, Xia Xee Lor, Ayumi Malin, Yuko Moon, Nagisa Morikawa, Yasushi Nakagawa, Asako Nakauchi, Miyuki Nicols, Cain Russel, Mami Russel, Noah Russel, Naomi Sato, Kaya Solheid, Shotah Stoffregen, Hisayo Sugaya, Mio Uchiyama, Miyuki Yamamoto, and Masako Yoshida. Thank you to Yumi Kadowaki for graphics design. Lastly, thank you to our partners:

JASM is currently searching for new interns! We are looking for individuals who are:

• Interested in Japan

• Have a familiarity with Microsoft Office programs

• Undergraduate students or recent graduates

• Willing to work flexible hours and participate in JASM events

As JASM internships are unpaid, we offer meaningful work experience and intangible benefits. The networking opportunities introduce interns to influential individuals working within Japanese-related businesses and organizations. For more information regarding details on a specific position, please visit our website at mn-japan.org/volunteering/internships. If interested in applying, please email or mail a resume and cover letter to:

Looking for New Interns

Yoko Ueno, Program Manager Japan America Society of Minnesota Riverplace EH-131 43 Main Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55414

yueno@us-japan.org T: 612.627.9357

the beautiful artwork available at the market, and the amazing musical performances. Along with Sakurakai, there were main stage music and dance performances by Mikaharukai, Thunder Wave, Yuki Tokuda & Friends, Sachiya Isomura & Friends, and Taiko Arts Midwest. The event closed with Tejime (ceremonial rhythmic hand clapping), led by Takuzo Ishida & Friends.

JASM would like to thank Sydney Michael, the emcee; Deputy Consul-General Kenji Tanaka; photographer Sophie Warnick; Mami Russell, Tomoko Drake, and Minnesota Oyaji Club for food preparation; and all of our exhibitors and performers for their contributions to Shinnenkai.

Shinnenkai 2019 Continued

Shinnenkai Kitchen Crew

The Samurai’s Garden, by Gail Tsukiyama. St. Martin’s Griffin Press; 211 pages.

Gail Tsukiyama, acclaimed American fiction writer, weaves symbolic tones and figurative storytelling to expertly spin this literary quilt. Like her other award-winning novels, Women of the Silk, Night of Many Dreams, The Language of Threads, The Street of a Thousand Blossoms, Dreaming Water and A Hundred Flowers, this novel is only available in English, for now. For Japanese and Chinese translations, well, stay tuned. Gail grew up in San Francisco with her Hong Kong Chinese mother and her Hawaiian Japanese father. She attended San Francisco State, teaches creative writing there, and still lives in the Bay Area. The Samurai’s Garden is cleverly narrated by the story’s protagonist, Stephen, a 20-something-year-old from Hong Kong. He goes to Japan for the climate, to recuperate from tuberculosis, and his journey turns into a coming of age saga. His arrival at a family seaside villa in Tarumi coincides with the brutal Japanese invasion of China in the late 1930’s. Our author skillfully uses newspaper entries in the novel to create tension and connect the story’s plot to the Imperial Army’s advances across China. This effectively expands the novel’s breadth to create a new and welcoming voice. As far as I know, our author only speaks English and has never resided in China or Japan. That’s okay, anthropologist Ruth Benedict never set foot in Japan, nor did she speak Japanese. By her own admission, Tsukiyama was adamant about overcoming these barriers through painstaking research on Chinese and Japanese cultures, to create insight and credibility. And I agree. The Samurai’s Garden’s moral imperative is simple: tolerance coupled with honor and courage. We gradually learn that our story’s hero, Matsu, the family’s Japanese caretaker gardener, is really a 20th century samurai exuding bushido virtues. Although some of the other characters are morally ambiguous, Matsu is distinguished for his stoicism, loyalty and bravery. In the end we understand, like Stephen, that these essential qualities are enduring (“…Matsu had been the anchor…”). Actually, Matsu attended to two gardens: the one he planted with perennials, and a traditional Japanese rock garden curated for his unrequited love. See what I mean? Both are enduring. So, perhaps the real title should read The Samurai’s Gardens, not Garden. Give both their due in this literary quilt. By Tom Haeg

Tom Haeg’s Book Review

JASM would like to introduce the many other Japan-related local groups in Minnesota to our members. This series, Minnesota Grassroots Development, aims to strengthen the links of the Japan-America community throughout the state of Minnesota by familiarizing members with these groups working tirelessly to bring the community together. _________________________________________________

The Minneapolis Japanese School was established by a group of parents and guardians of school-age children from Japanese backgrounds for the purpose of teaching their children the Japanese language, culture and traditions, to enrich their cross-cultural skills, and help them to adjust smoothly to age-appropriate classes when they return to Japan. The classes consist of Kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is designated a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. The school with their experienced and qualified teaching staff provides four hours of instruction per week for at least forty (40) weeks during the year, primarily in the areas of Japanese language and mathematics, in accordance with the Teaching Guidance Summary established by the Japanese Government, Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, and Culture. The Japanese Government provides the same schoolbooks used by public schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Preschool & Kindergarten: 2 - 5 years old Elementary School and Junior High School: School age children (compulsory, per Japanese requirements) Senior High School: Students who have completed Junior High School Hours: Saturdays, 8:40 A.M. - 12:50 P.M. Subjects: Preschool & Kindergarten: -Japanese conversation, Reading, Writing and Crafts Elementary School: -Japanese (2 hours) and Mathematics (2 hours) Junior High School: -Japanese (2 hours) and Mathematics (2 hours) Senior High School: -Japanese (2 hours) and Mathematics (2 hours) -Public reading for all students -Kanji examination by class for all students -Science and Social Studies (Optional) School Location: Mounds Park Academy, 2051 Larpenteur Ave. E., St. Paul, MN Mailing Address: 6374 Lynn Way, Woodbury, MN 55129-9543 Phone: (651) 458-1758 Website: http://www.MinneapolisJapaneseSchool.org

MN Grassroots Development: Minneapolis Japanese School

Students, Parents, and Faculty from the Minneapolis Japanese School

毎月日本語図書館で日本人会の昼食会（Monthly Nihonjin-kai ）

を行っています。電話などでお誘い合わせの上、お友達やお知

り合いとご一緒においで下さい。可能の方はどうぞ料理を1品ご

持参願います。ミネソタ州在住の日本人達で良い事を考え、ご

馳走と日本語で楽しい時間を持ちましょう。

日程：毎月第2月曜日正午より

場所：日本語図書館

(4231 Bloomington Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55407)

また、毎週土曜日午後2時からは、日本語図書館のお手伝いして

くださる方の集まりがあります。是非ご参加ください。この図

書館には、漫画や宗教誌約25000冊や約2500本のビデオDVDがあ

り、希望者にはセルフサービスで日本人会と同じく無料で貸出

しています。お問い合わせは下記までどうぞ。

Yoko Breckenridge

Cell phone: (612) 839-0008

E-mail: yoko@yoko4home.com

(Nihonjin-kai monthly meeting is every 2nd Monday at noon. The meeting is held at 4231 Bloomington Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55407).

Japanese War Brides: An Oral History Archive Stories from across the United States as told to a daughter of a war bride

Our talented friend Kathryn Tolbert created a fantastic audio slideshow about Japanese women who married American GIs after WWII. We wanted to highlight this ONLINE project since MN Nihonjinkai members and friends are featured. If you have a computer, please take the time to visit: www.warbrideproject.com. If you don’t have a computer, ask a friend, son, daughter, neighbor, or your local librarian to help you access the website as it’s well worth your time! Most stories are under 5 minutes, but we promise you will gain lifetime lessons by listening. These are heartwarming, encouraging, humorous, enlightening, character-building anecdotes about AMAZING individuals. ENJOY! To help you get started, here are the titles featuring MN Nihon-jinkai members and other Minnesota and Wisconsin friends: “Passing the Exam” (Yoko Sasaki Breckenridge) “Finding My Father” (Kyoko Katayama) “Dating Mr. Mountain Nose” and “Glorified Rice” (Hiroe Shibata Hosna) “Making Hiroko Happy” (Hiroko Yamamoto Roberts—mother of Karen Harwerth) “Caring for Kimiko” (MN Japanese caretakers)

A Word from Yoko Breckenridge 月例日本人会のお知らせ

実施日 2019 年 3 月 20 日（水曜日）

時 間 9 時30 分から12 時 15 分まで13 時15 分から16 時まで

会 場 Quality Inn and Suites 1950 Rahncliff Ct. Eagan, MN 55122 Tel 651 (681) 9266

• 領事出張サービスは、遠隔地にお住まいの在留邦人の皆様

のパスポートの申請又 は交付、各種証明書の申請、戸籍・

国籍の届出、在外選挙人名簿登録申請、在留 届の提出等を

受け付けています。

• パスポートの交付を希望される方は、2019 年 3 月 6 日

（水）までに当館宛てに 郵送仮申請制度（注）を利用し

て,パスポートの仮申請を済ませてください。 （注）郵送

仮申請によりパスポートの交付を希望される方は、当館ま

で電話でご連絡いただく か、当館ホームページの「遠隔地

居住者による郵送仮申請」をご参照ください。

• 各種証明書の申請及び戸籍・国籍の届出については、いず

れも予約制です。必ず 事前に当館までご連絡ください。

• パスポート及び証明書の手数料は当日会場で現金にてお支

払いただきます。釣り 銭のないようご用意ください。クレ

ジットカード、パーソナルチェックは利用で きません。

在シカゴ日本国総領事館 Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago 737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100 Chicago, IL 60611

電話 312(280)0400

領事出張サービスのお知らせ

ミネソタ州イーガン市

Yoko Breckenridge 612-839-0008

Photo by Ackerman + Gruber

Become a JASM Member online Support our mission and become a member!

1. Go to mn-japan.org 2. Click on ‘Membership’ at the top 3. Select your membership type and read the benefits and

instructions. You can also become a member using your smartphone.

Japan America Society of Minnesota O Membership Application O Change of Address

O Tax-deductible Donation

_____________________________________________________

Name

_____________________________________________________

Name (2nd adult of a household membership)

_____________________________________________________

Address

_____________________________________________________

City State ZIP

___________________________

E-mail

___________________________

Phone I would like to make an additional tax- deductible donation of

Amount Enclosed:____________

(Please make checks payable to JASM)

Japan America Society of Minnesota 43 Main Street SE Suite EH—131

Minneapolis, MN 55414

Individual Membership Patron…………………… $1,000+ Sustaining……………… $500+ Contributing……………. $100+ Individual ………………. $30 Student/Senior ………… $20 Household ……………... $50 (2 adults plus children under 18)

WIP

Thank you: Tom Haeg

Long-time JASM member Tom Haeg has written the Tsushin book review series every month since February of 2012, and has reviewed over 84 books for us! He has provided wonderful insight on various forms of Japanese literature and his contributions help keep Tsushin exciting. A word from Tom: Our JASM library boasts an inventory of hundreds of volumes. This amazing

growth is due to your generous donations. My monthly mission is to select, read and review these books to better connect you to Japan to achieve insight and goodwill. I have so appreciated your feedback in writing this column. So, to better serve you, NEW IN 2019: I will invite JASM members to a book club party with a book you select. Complimentary sushi, too. My treat. Then, we will write a collaborative review for Tsushin. More details to be announced. Once again, thank you Tom Haeg and our other JASM members. Your contributions to the community are what solidify the bond between Japan and Minnesota!

Japan America Society Calendar

January

Shinnenkai, Sunday, January 27, 2019

If you would like know more information about JASM events, please go to our website: mn-japan.org

Japan America Society Calendar

Ad production and design available in both

Japanese and English for an additional

charge. Deadline for completed ads and

classifieds is the 20th of every month.

Questions? Contact the JASM Office

Tel: 612-627-9357 jasm@us-japan.org

Advertisement Rates Style Size Cost/issue

1/4 page 5 x 3.5 in $50.00

1/2 page 5 x 7.5 in $90.00

Full page 10 x 7.5 in $150.00

Classified 80 character line $10/ line

(min. 2 lines)

Advertise in the Tsushin!

December

Bonenkai/Annual Meeting, Monday, December 10, 2018

January

Shinnenkai, Sunday, January 27, 2019

The Japanese Speaking Club is an informal meeting place for those wishing to practice Japanese. We encourage those just beginning the language as well as native speakers to gather at Corner Coffee in Uptown Minneapolis to meet new people, discuss experiences in Japan, or simply to speak Japanese. Come when you can, leave when you must. Date/Time: Every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. (however, most people do not show up until 3:30). Place: Corner Coffee 1414 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Japan America Society Calendar

Ad production and design available in both

Japanese and English for an additional

charge. Deadline for completed ads and

classifieds is the 20th of every month.

Questions? Contact the JASM Office

Tel: 612-627-9357 jasm@us-japan.org

Advertisement Rates Style Size Cost/issue 1/4 page 5 x 3.5 in $50.00

1/2 page 5 x 7.5 in $90.00

Full page 10 x 7.5 in $150.00

Classified 80 character line $10/ line (minimum 2 lines)

Advertise in the Tsushin!

February

J-Quiz, Saturday, February 16, 2019

Know Me Kai Club, Saturday, February 19, 2019

For more information about JASM events, please visit our website: mn-japan.org

The Japanese Speaking Club is an informal meeting place for those wishing to practice Japanese. We encourage those just beginning the language as well as native speakers to gather at Corner Coffee in Uptown Minneapolis to meet new people, discuss experiences in Japan, or simply to speak Japanese. Come when you can, leave when you must. Date/Time: Every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. (however, most people do not show up until 3:30). Place: Corner Coffee 1414 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact JASM at jasm@us-japan.org or 612-627-9357

Japanese Speaking Club

Tom Haeg

Japan America Society of Minnesota

Riverplace EH-131 43 Main Street SE

Minneapolis, MN 55414-1031

Tel: 612-627-9357 Fax: 612-379-2393 jasm@us-japan.org www.mn-japan.org

Tsūshin February 2019 The Japan America Society of Minnesota is a non-profit, non-political association engaged in bringing the peoples of Japan and the United States closer together in mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. Through programs and interchange, it endeavors to promote an appreciation of cultural, educational, economic, public, and other affairs of interest to both peoples. Membership in the society is open to individuals, corporations, and other organizations interested in furthering its programs. The Japan America Society of Minnesota is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies. (Please report any inaccuracies you find in this publication to jasm.interns@gmail.com)

Shinnenkai 2019